The North Carolina Zoological Society reported recently that individual contributions of more than $40,000 this month have pushed total fund-raising for “Project: Pachyderms” over the $6 million mark, the initial goal.

The total represents a significant milestone in the Zoo Society’s campaign to help fund a major expansion of elephant and rhinoceros facilities at the N.C. Zoo.

“We are truly grateful for the tremendous support our friends have shown for this worthwhile project,” said Russ Williams, N.C. Zoo Society executive director. “This achievement was made possible by corporations and individuals who made or pledged contributions ranging from one dollar to $2 million. Every contributor and every contribution has made a real difference.”

Williams said the funds will help create the N.C. Zoo’s Watani Grasslands exhibit to provide more space for larger elephant and rhino herds and provide facilities where visitors will experience an up-close, almost eye-to-eye view of elephants and rhinos. The project will also increase the likelihood that elephants and rhinos will produce young at the N.C. Zoo.

While $6 million is the original goal for the project, Williams said that necessary design changes, combined with costs associated with acquiring and bringing additional elephants and rhinos to the N.C. Zoo, have seen the Zoo Society up its goal to $6.75 million.

“Cost increases are very common in projects of this magnitude,” Williams said, “and we’re almost there. The generosity we’ve seen so far virtually guarantees that we will soon have the funds we need to make the N.C. Zoo a world leader in elephant and rhino conservation and education.”